I felt isolated from friends and family who didn’t understand my journey.

By: A Staff Writer

Updated on: Oct 25, 2024

The Misunderstood Maverick: StartupSally, Austin, TX

I felt isolated from friends and family who didn’t understand my journey.

Hey y’all, I’m StartupSally from Austin, TX. When I launched my tech startup, I felt a growing disconnect from friends and family. Their 9-to-5 lives seemed so foreign to my chaotic, always-on world. Their concerns about job security and paid time off felt trivial compared to my all-consuming passion.

How I Bridged the Gap:

• Sought out like-minded people: I joined entrepreneur groups, both online and offline, where I could connect with people who understood my challenges and aspirations.
• Educated my loved ones: I patiently explained the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, sharing my wins and losses to help them understand my world.
• Made time for non-work activities: I intentionally scheduled social events and activities that didn’t revolve around business, allowing me to connect with loved ones on a deeper level.
• Set boundaries: I established clear boundaries between work and personal time, ensuring I was fully present when spending time with friends and family.
• Accepted their limitations: I realized that not everyone would understand or support my entrepreneurial journey, and that’s okay. I focused on building relationships with those who did.

Feeling isolated is a common experience for entrepreneurs, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By seeking out like-minded people, educating your loved ones, and setting boundaries, you can bridge the gap and build a supportive network. Remember, you don’t have to choose between your business and your relationships – you can have both.